Fortuna Skiver Questions

[David Bruce]

I'm in the market for a skiving machine and came across this old Fortuna. I've never used a bell skiver and realize that they are finicky and have a learning curve. That said, would this machine be a worthwhile purchase if it works properly or would I be better off buying a new Cowboy or other clone? I usually buy old machines but am just not sure if skivers are easily repaired or costly to do so. I appreciate any input.

Edited June 27, 2018 by David Bruce

[aroh99]

Hello David,

      skiving machines are not that complicated to work on. There are plenty of youtube videos show you how to adjust the machine. I bought a used beat up one changed a few piece and got it working great. I have never used a fortuna the ones I have are consew and a cobra. they are the same thing just copies of the fortuna. fortuna's are hard to find and when you find one price is very steep.  be sure to ask if he has other accessories for machine if you decide to buy it.  there is a special tool used to remove blade when it needs to be changed. I didn't ask when I bought my first one and wasn't able to change blade till I borrowed a friends tool. depending on the price I would buy it since I myself like old machines. I hope this helped if you need any help you are in the right forum. The people here have a the knowledge and I am sure others will provide there 2 cents. 

[aroh99]

58 minutes ago, aroh99 said:

Hello David,

      skiving machines are not that complicated to work on. There are plenty of youtube videos show you how to adjust the machine. I bought a used beat up one changed a few piece and got it working great. I have never used a fortuna the ones I have are consew and a cobra. they are the same thing just copies of the fortuna. fortuna's are hard to find and when you find one price is very steep.  be sure to ask if he has other accessories for machine if you decide to buy it.  there is a special tool used to remove blade when it needs to be changed. I didn't ask when I bought my first one and wasn't able to change blade till I borrowed a friends tool. depending on the price I would buy it since I myself like old machines. I hope this helped if you need any help you are in the right forum. The people here have a the knowledge and I am sure others will provide there 2 cents. 

 

3 hours ago, David Bruce said:

I'm in the market for a skiving machine and came across this old Fortuna. I've never used a bell skiver and realize that they are finicky and have a learning curve. That said, would this machine be a worthwhile purchase if it works properly or would I be better off buying a new Cowboy or other clone? I usually buy old machines but am just not sure if skivers are easily repaired or costly to do so. I appreciate any input.

 

[David Bruce]

On 6/27/2018 at 2:54 PM, aroh99 said:

 

 

What is considered a decent or acceptable price for one with the table and dust collector?

[katit]

Have you bought this machine? Wonder what is the acceptable price as well...

[Nuttish]

I wouldn't say these things are particularly easy to repair at all if there's appreciable runout in the sharpening stone or bell knife drive shafts.

If the thing is running, color the knife edge with a marker and lightly touch the sharpening stone to the edge and see whether it contacts relatively evenly. If not, I'd pass unless it's cheap and you already know how to fix these things or want to learn how and like spending money on parts.

Reiterate what others said about the accessories.

Edited July 18, 2018 by Nuttish

[David Bruce]

So, I bought the Fortuna!  This was a craigslist purchase so I had no idea what I was going to find when I went to look at it. I was very pleased to find that the seller was a retired leatherworker who knew the machine inside and out. He had been doing leatherwork since the 60's and kept the machine in great mechanical shape. He was kind enough to show me  how to operate the machine along with basic maintenance, sharpening, etc... He also showed me some of his other remaining equipment and had some of his work samples which were very nice. You can check out his blog here: http://leathercraftsman.blogspot.com/

I paid a few hundred less than a new clone costs which included the table, aspirating system, an extra presser foot, some dressing tools and the original manual. It also has a clutch that controls the feed speed by way of a foot pedal. I love that I know the history of the machine along with meeting the man that used it for all of those years. I was also very happy to give my money to a fellow craftsman.

Edited July 18, 2018 by David Bruce

[RockyAussie]

On 06/07/2018 at 10:38 AM, David Bruce said:

What is considered a decent or acceptable price for one with the table and dust collector?

I have a couple of skiving machines and the Fortuna one that looks the same as this one is my favorite. If the machine is working alright I would say that a price from $1000 to $1500 would be great but I would pay $2000 easily if it is in good condition. Note I do put a high value on the dust extraction part. You mention small leather goods and that often involves soft leathers that the dust extractor helps the leather to pull through without getting could on the feed roller. Check my you tube videos to see a little bit on this.

[RockyAussie]

5 minutes ago, David Bruce said:

So, I bought the Fortuna!  This was a craigslist purchase so I had no idea what I was going to find when I went to look at it. I was very pleased to find that the seller was a retired leatherworker who knew the machine inside and out. He had been doing leatherwork since the 60's and kept the machine in great mechanical shape. He was kind enough to show me  how to operate the machine along with basic maintenance, sharpening, etc... He also showed me some of his other remaining equipment and had some of his work samples which were very nice. You can check out his blog here: http://leathercraftsman.blogspot.com/

I paid a few hundred less than a new clone costs which included the table, aspirating system, an extra presser foot, some dressing tools and the original manual. It also has a clutch that controls the feed speed by way of a foot pedal. I love that I know the history of the machine along with meeting the man that used it for all of those years. I was also very happy to give my money to a fellow craftsmen.

I think that you will find that you have made a wise investment. Just ask here if you need any help.

[David Bruce]

5 minutes ago, RockyAussie said:

I think that you will find that you have made a wise investment. Just ask here if you need any help.

Thanks, much appreciated. I will be ordering a steel feed wheel, some sharpening stones and belts soon. I contacted Fortuna and they said that they still make all parts for my machine which is nice to know.